After three decades of counseling struggling couples, and after experiencing transformation within my own marriage, I've been able to identify the core components of a lasting and fulfilling relationship. I'd like to introduce you to what I have found unshakeable over time, what I call The Four Pillars.
We continue to evolve and grow as people along the parenting journey and most couples grossly underestimate the need to continually invest in their togetherness, to address their differences and areas needing repair. So how can couples build a strong empty nest for themselves, whether the kids have flown the coop or are preparing to do so?
Even though we know romantic comedies are great for lightness, fun and open-hearted laughter—and are not meant to depict real life—we are still influenced by what we see, unconsciously deeming movie love as normal love. So enjoy and laugh away but be mindful of the messages about love coming through.
Our married partners tend to hold the license to trigger our buttons like no one else can. The truth is that most of society doesn’t understand what it takes for love to be lasting and fulfilling. We are good at one, or the other. But both lasting and fulfilling — this becomes a perplexing enterprise.
